Methyl mercury exposure in Niigata: case studies illustrating adult outcomes.

Methyl mercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin. Methyl mercury exposure took place at Niigata in the late 1950s and early 1960s due to industrial pollution of the Agano River. We studied adults who were exposed in utero or as children during that epidemic to determine their long-term outcomes. We contacted individuals with known exposure. Those who consented completed a questionnaire and then were interviewed. Thirty-nine subjects agreed to participate. Twenty-six subjects had health problems during their childhood and difficulties with schoolwork. As adults, some had difficulty with employment, but most led fairly normal family and social lives. Five subjects were considered to be socially maladjusted and eight others had social adjustment problems. Although some exposed subjects had health problems, many have been able to lead fairly normal lives.